A preliminary study of scheduled waste management practices in Malaysia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15282/ijim.20.1.2026.11897Keywords:
Environment, hazardous waste, scheduled waste, SWOT, waste managementAbstract
As industrialisation continues to grow, effective scheduled waste management is essential for minimising environmental risks and safeguarding public health. Thus, this study explores the practices, challenges, and safety measures associated with managing scheduled waste. Two companies located in Kuantan, Pahang and one academic institution located in Kerteh, Terengganu, participated in this study. The research employed a qualitative exploratory approach by incorporating semi-structured interviews with six experts from an academic institution and two industries, along with a thorough review of relevant documents. Key findings indicate that while industries generally follow standard operating procedures for waste handling and safety measures, challenges remain in areas such as regulatory compliance, staff awareness, and infrastructure capacity. Notable issues include the absence of formal certification training, budgetary constraints, and inadequate space for temporary waste storage. A SWOT analysis was conducted to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within existing practices. The study also highlights the importance of enhancing awareness, formalising training programs, and upgrading infrastructure to address the increasing volume of scheduled waste, ultimately ensuring a safer workplace and promoting sustainable waste management practices. These insights offer a foundation for improving scheduled waste management in Malaysia.
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